Hittman (2) – Destroy All Humans

Melodic metal masterpiece, an awesome comeback and IMO the best album so far by the band. I didn't expect much, so this was a real surprise. High quality in every way; song writing, performances and production are top notch. 5/5.

Hittman’s comeback

Released in 2020, DESTROY ALL HUMANS is the third full-length studio album by New York City’s Hittman, a rather obscure metal outfit influenced by bands of the early/mid 80s, like Queensryche, Crimson Glory, Fifth Angel, Judas Priest and the heavier side of Dokken. Think 80’s heavy metal with a little power metal without any glam trappings.

The group functioned for ten years from 1984-1994 before calling it a day with the advent of grunge. Thankfully, the vocalist & two guitarists decided to get back together in 2017, soon enlisting a new drummer and bassist. This album is the result.

These days the singer, Dirk Kennedy, no longer sounds like Midnight from Crimson Glory as the high bits are pretty much gone, but he has a good, unique voice filled with ion, as observed in the song “The Ledge. It’s not until the fourth track, “Code of Honor,” that you hear a little Geoff Tate in his delivery.

My favorite cuts are “Breathe” and the aforementioned “The Ledge.” Fans of the groups mentioned above are encouraged to pick this up. Hittman are just as good in their own inimitable way.

The album is short-and-sweet at eight tracks clocking-in at 42 minutes, 13 seconds.

GRADE: B/B+

Hittman’s comeback

Released in 2020, DESTROY ALL HUMANS is the third full-length studio album by New York City’s Hittman, a rather obscure metal outfit influenced by bands of the early/mid 80s, like Queensryche, Crimson Glory, Fifth Angel, Judas Priest and the heavier side of Dokken. Think 80’s heavy metal with a little power metal without any glam trappings.

The group functioned for ten years from 1984-1994 before calling it a day with the advent of grunge. Thankfully, the vocalist & two guitarists decided to get back together in 2017, soon enlisting a new drummer and bassist. This album is the result.

These days the singer, Dirk Kennedy, no longer sounds like Midnight from Crimson Glory as the high bits are pretty much gone, but he has a good, unique voice filled with ion, as observed in the song “The Ledge. It’s not until the fourth track, “Code of Honor,” that you hear a little Geoff Tate in his delivery.

My favorite cuts are “Breathe” and the aforementioned “The Ledge.” Fans of the groups mentioned above are encouraged to pick this up. Hittman are just as good in their own inimitable way.

The album is short-and-sweet at eight tracks clocking-in at 42 minutes, 13 seconds.

GRADE: B/B+